NFL Week Two Review and Week Three Picks

Week two consisted of a mix of atypical and ho-hum finishes. The Patriots faltering at the expense of a very loquacious Jets team is currently classified as a shock. But down the road, when we see that this Jets team is legitimate and the Patriots don't have the horses to protect Brady this win will not be looked upon with the same regard.

Meanwhile, under the "what else is new?" category, the Cowboys continued their trend of being unable to stand strong on the defense in historical games for their stadium, old and new. After sending out their home by giving up roughly 160 total rushing yards on two consecutive series, the Cowboys managed to send their fans home distraught in a more pedestrian fashion.

Trailing by one, Eli Manning dug himself out of a first and 20 hole and ultimately put the Giants in range for Lawrence Tynes to hit two game winning field goals. And for the second consecutive home game, Jerry Jones and his booger-laden finger were sent home with a loss that would be placed under "worst-case scenario," had Jerry mapped out all possibilities.

Unfortunately for the Steelers, kicker Jeff Reed was unable to hit either of his game-sealing and potentially game-winning kick. And now they'll heading to the Jungle to face a Bengals team riding high after a 31-24 victory over the Packers.

As for the Broncos, they are within striking distance of a 3-0 start as they take on the Oakland Raiders. Although the Bengals and Raiders are no gimmes, they are the teams you can get your season jumpstarted by playing. After this game, they get their first legitimate test of the year in week four as they host the Cowboys to start a brutal stretch that will span the rest of the season.

And now, after a meager 9-7 showing after a 13-3 start, here are my week three picks:

Week Three

Chiefs @ Eagles

Packers @ Rams

49ers @ Vikings

Titans @ Jets

Falcons @ Patriots

Jaguars @ Texans

Giants @ Buccanneers

Redskins @ Lions

Browns @ Ravens

Bears @ Seahawks

Saints @ Bills

Dolphins @ Chargers

Broncos @ Raiders

Steelers @ Bengals

Colts @ Cardinals

Panthers @ Cowboys

Record: 22-10

What to watch for:

Before the year I was intrigued by the 49ers. But not enough to pick them for the playoffs. Mike Singletary has imposed an attitude change there, but would that compensate for the lack of skill at skill positions? What about at quarterback?

So far, it's been so good. A 2-0 division record against what is thought to be their main competition in the West. And now, they bring Weapon 59 against the Vikings own freak Adrian Peterson. It's as close to a mono e mono situation that Peterson will encounter, as Willis quickly emerged from budding star to full blown mega star.

I think the 9ers take it. And if they do take the 2-0 Vikings home opener, it's a type of win that could really let a season take off. Keep an eye out for this one.